Neltje

The Foundation at Ucross

What a phenomenal weekend!  The Advisory Board for the University of Wyoming Art Museum met in  Ucross Wyoming for the quarterly meeting.  The location was selected to allow for a visit with our benefactor, Neltje, who lives there and in addition is the founder of Jentel one of the artist residency programs in the area. The Jentel Artist Residency offers dedicated individuals a supportive environment in which to further their creative development. The artists and writers are allowed unfettered time allowing for  reflection and meditation on the creative process.  I was surprised to learn there is a second program, the Ucross Foundation, located on a 20,000 acre cattle ranch and just a few miles from Jentel.  Both programs support the artist for a week to a month with a gift of time and space that can be transformative.  My friend Georgia Roswell had a residency at Jentel.  

Neltje and Vanda at her home near Ucross

How does one describe Neltje?!?  Passionate, gracious, tenacious, generous, inspiring and so much more. Neltje is an artist with bold, dynamic expression. http://www.neltje.com/  The board was treated to a tour of her store, Turned Antiques, with thousands of square feet of antiques, gift and crafted items from her travels around the world.  We then had a personal tour of Jentel where the artists live and work in a luxurious two story home and studios. Mary Jane is the Executive Director and keeps Jentel on track.  The day concluded with a dinner in Neltje's home with the board members and many of her friends from the area.  A phenomenal woman that will leave a lasting legacy to Wyoming.  I am privileged to meet and know her.